*note: this review may contain spoilers*

I’m not going to delve into the issues and criticisms surrounding the movie, only to say that I saw the film last night and managed to walked away not an atheist. Whaddya know?

I haven’t read The Golden Compass, or any of the books in the His Dark Materials trilogy. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the film does not live up to Mr. Pullman’s full artistic vision. In fact, were I Mr. Pullman, I would hope that was the case.

Because for the most part, The Golden Compass is just one more fantasy film in a long line of fantasy films. Which is to say, it’s entirely forgettable.

The film’s real strength comes from the performance of the main star, Dakota Blue Richards. She shines as Lyra, perfect blend of wonder and tenaciousness. Lyra is honest and smart and loyal – just the kind of heroine we can root for.

And where there is good, there must be evil. The black to Lyra’s white is Ms. Coulter; if I didn’t know when the books were written, I’d say that the name of this tall, blond, thin villain is a almost too much of a coincidence. Ms. Coulter is manipulative and abusive, her disposition as icy as her stare. The problem is…she’s almost too evil.

That’s the problem with the whole film, really: you’re either good or you’re bad (or, you’re an extraneous character used only to demonstrate how good or bad the more important characters are). There’s no real conflict or turnabout. Character development? What’s that? Within the first twenty minutes our villain is revealed, and the rest of nearly two hours are spent simply watching it all unfold.

The two “big” surprises are handled so quickly there is no time for satisfaction in their discovery. Critical information is given to us with clear and simple explanation. There is no tension and therefore not much to hold the audience’s interest aside from, perhaps, a good looking character or two.

I’m not naming names.